Martha Speaks: Martha Says it with Flowers Book

Martha always seems to do the wrong thing around Grandma Lucille, like saying the wrong thing at the wrong time or treading on her favorite hat! To prove that she really is a considerate dog, Martha decides to find something extra special for Grandma's birthday. But choosing the right gift for a human is a lot harder than it looks, especially when Martha's idea of the perfect present is a wormy apple or slab of bacon! In the end, Martha learns that thoughtfulness and perserverance count for far more than any gift could.

Children's Literature

Martha first says it with a worm-infested apple, a ruined hat, and bacon. These inarticulate attempts do nothing to accomplish her goal of pleasing Grandma Lucille on her birthday, but it is charming to watch her attempt. Told from Martha's point of view, the book points out that for some people, it is simply impossible to find the perfect gift. As a dog, Martha is at even more of a disadvantage. She merely wants to accomplish what most people hope to do with a present—please a loved one and show that, despite the occasional piece of ruined headwear, one really can be considerate. Martha finally succeeds in giving Grandma Lucille the perfect present and realizes that true gifts are not always tangible. Martha's dilemma results in a fun read that will please young readers. Reviewer: Jennifer Waldrop